In a statement issued this afternoon, Fitzgerald said that a "significant opportunity has been missed to promote GAA in Wicklow" by not bringing the All-Ireland champions to the 8,500-capacity Joule Park on Sunday week. Wicklow manager John Evans also felt that his side should have had home advantage for the glamour tie when he spoke to the media after his side's extra-time victory over Offaly yesterday.

"All members of Wicklow GAA are working hard to develop, promote and grow participation within the county, at all levels. The possibility of welcoming the reigning All Ireland Senior Champions to Joule Park, Aughrim would have given a sizeable boost to Wicklow GAA, our supporters and our players.

"We are hugely disappointed that this request has not been considered. We feel a significant opportunity has been missed to promote GAA in Wicklow and assist the hard work being done at all levels, across all codes, in the county."